The three-day Photography, Arts, Design Exhibition, PADE, organised by Ecobank to mark World Photography Day ended in Lagos on Sunday.
It was a fun-filled and memorable event and it had as its theme, “Canvas for Africa’s Creatives”, and it was an assemblage of creative influencers in photography, visual arts, vocal and dramatic arts and designs.
The event which was open to the public featured a collage of portrait and event photographers, landscape photo artists and basically everyone with lenses to capture moments and frame memories in time. There was a photography contest where customers had the chance to showcase their ethnic groups in colorful style to win a family weekend getaway, among other prizes.
The Managing Director and Regional Executive, Ecobank Nigeria Limited, Mr. Bolaji Lawal used the opportunity to assure that the Bank will continue to provide a platform for harnessing and powering the creative industry in Nigeria.
He restated the bank’s commitment and determination to contribute to sustainable economic development, working with the youths, local community, and the society at large to improve the quality of life, in ways that are both good for business and national development.
Mr. Lawal, who was represented by the Executive Director/Chief Risk Officer, Biyi Olagbami observed that Nigeria had an assemblage of articulate and creative minds who have demonstrated love for the profession and are telling the African story in many ways through their lenses, saying that as a Pan African bank, part of Ecobank’s vision is to serve as a platform for harnessing and powering the creativity of the African continent.
According to him, “For us as a bank, we decided to commemorate the World Photography Day, understanding it was an opportunity to help showcase the brilliance of Nigerian creatives to the world. It is part of our current strategy as a Pan African Bank to sustain our legacy as a foremost supporter of the creative industry in Nigeria, providing a platform for harnessing and powering creative talents on the African continent”.
Facilitators at the Masterclass session, including veteran creative photographer, painter and artist, Kelechi Amadi-Obi; Pocket Lawyers, Ngozi Nwabueze; ace Photojournalist, Pius Utomi Ekpei, Agence France-Presse (AFP); art photographer, August Udoh and a creative director/photographer Yemi Disu, were full of praise for the bank, noting that such support and partnership with corporate organizations would further stimulate the growth of the art and business of photography.
According to Mr. Amadi-Obi, Ecobank deserves commendation for identifying with the photographers on the World Photography Day, urging other corporate organizations to emulate the bank.
He advised the audience, particularly the up-coming professionals to set realizable goals and put measures in place to achieving them, adding that when the goals are achieved, they should set new ones until they met all their career objectives.
On her part, Ngozi Nwabueze, dwelt on image copyright and the legal structure to protect their works. She took participants through the legal steps and enumerated the benefits of ensuring that their works are protected by the relevant provisions of the laws.
